Beau and I had our first Open A trials this weekend. Saturday and Sunday, we competed in a class of 14 teams, vying for a qualifying score each day. Things didn’t go as hoped. We NQd both days. That means that we failed to qualify due to a failed exercise. Day 1, it was our strongest skill that never (never say never) gives us issue – Command Discrimination. I had to double signal Beau to sit. Day 2, it was the Drop on Recall, a skill that has been iffy but was great the day before. I had to….well, just watch the video. 😁

I am disappointed that we NQd both days, but it is not the end of the world. On Saturday, only 3 of the 14 teams had qualifying runs and on Sunday, it was close to the same. I was embarassed that Beau left the ring and enjoyed zoomies around the venue – but I survived. A few folks told me how cute he was while running around (especially since it wasn’t THEIR dog), the judge apologized for making hand gestures, and some folks told me how well I handled it.

He eventually found a cute Sheltie, did the play bow to entice her (she wanted nothing to do with him), and were able to put an end to his freedom run. It was deflating, to say the least. BUT I can confidently state that Beau wasn’t the first dog to do that and he won’t be the last.

Watching the video back, I see so many things I should have done differently. I needed more engagement from the start, I should have put Beau into a down after he tackled me, and so on. Showing on strange turf is always a challenge so I need to work on keeping his focus on me, no matter the environs. Lots of things. That is why having footage is so helpful. As dreadful as it is to watch yourself, it helps to refine the approach for the next trial.

Beau and I are slated to try again in about a month, so now we regroup. But, first a few days of no training – just fun!

I hope this unvarnished look at obedience helps a new competitor or gives a seasoned one a good laugh.
Thanks for stopping by!

Have you ever had your dog run out of the ring? Let me know in the comments!